Last night the Strategic and General Services committee met and were presented with a draft proposal for the management of Arthur Head. The proposal itself is from page 18 onwards…

The time frame was far from idea with the proposal only available just before the long weekend, launched to the unfriendly CoF site on Thursday evening 5th April and being presented to the committee on Wednesday 11th April. That in conjunction with the document not planned to go out for public comment leads for more questions to be raised about the ‘community engagement’ part of the Community Engagement department.

Back to the meeting… As the proposal gives no confirmation of the existing artists being allowed to stay – more over it stipulated that after their tenure expires they will NOT be eligible to reapply for space it was a pretty emotion charged evening.

From a FICRA perspective I raised concerns that the ‘consultation’ we had with Artsource is not featured in their document nor reflected in their statement. The Inner City Residents Association want a vibrant arts precinct and support the existing artist for both their contribution to the Arts, Fremantle and the Noongar people who were represented during the statements by the public.

J Shed was to be painted at the tenants expense as well as art works to be installed at a hugely discounted rate to brighten or City, all of these things have been sadly put on hold due to the uncertainty in the air. Removing successful artists who have emotionally and financially invested in Fremantle to install new artists seems to be throwing the baby out with the bath water – if the spaces are used and the public can interact why be asked to leave? The Old Customs building is already studio space for emerging artists, this space is not utilised but some of the artists in residence so why have more of the same? Why lose the only vibrancy we have in Arthur Head? We suggest the CoF invest in the area and add to its appeal. Lighting, signage, bins, paint, paving and a restoration plan would be more appropriate than asking people to leave.

The outcome was that the proposal was deferred and will be worked on further by the officers with the option of more meetings and potentially(?!) some consultation! The unfortunate side effect is that the artists and residents will be in limbo for a further couple of months as it will be likely be heard again in the June round of meetings. However due to Council process it will still be heard at the Council meeting on Tuesday 24th April (the deferral by the Committee will be noted though) but please go along and voice your opinion!

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